Upgrading questions

sucio_reefer · Mar 6, 2012

So I'm working on upgrading to a 140g tank and needs some opinions on which way to go on two items. First of reactors. Originally i was going to go with a calc reactor but recently was told about the BRS 2 part dosing system. I'm not too familiar with the BRS Dosing. On my Pico i do the Part A/Part B dosing n assume it's the same concept but would like to get some feedback from ppl using both systems to compare results to see which is a better way to go.

Second question is controllers. Apex? Reefkeeper? same questions pretty much which is a better system or is it just preference.

Thanks for any help.

aherre07 · Mar 6, 2012

On my 250 at home I am using ESV B-Ionic 2 part and mag run off of BRS dosing pumps (Balling Method). IMO Cal Reactors can be a pain dialing them in and can sometimes fluctuate pH if not monitored. Cost of 2 part can get expensive if uptake of Ca by corals is high, for a SPS dominant tank the Ca Rx would be cheaper in the long run... I run everything in my system (AI LEDs, T5s, MP60s, temp, pH, dosing pumps and fuge light) off of the apex and love it! It takes a little tinkering to get used to the programming but its basically a bunch of if...then...statements. Controllers to me are the same just a matter of preference.

sucio_reefer · Mar 7, 2012

Yeah i think i'm leaning towards the dosing system right simply becasue i haven't reached the SPS phase as of yet. I might have a few choice pieces but i dnt see an sps dominant tank at the moment. thanks for the info

Otter_rs · Mar 7, 2012

Apex for sure.... There is nothing that controller can't do.

bct15 · Mar 7, 2012

I personally run an apex and can't speak for the reefkeeper, but my apex is pretty nice and can pretty much do what ever I need it to do. However, I am in the process of designing an aquarium controller that has even more capability than the apex...

I run a calcium reactor on it's own powerstrip controlled by a single outlet of the apex, that way if it ever malfunctions and severely drops my ph the whole thing gets shut down. It is not difficult to setup and dial in at all, and ends up being a lot cheaper than dosing...and it keeps you alk, cal, and mag in check.